In a criminal case, the state, through a prosecutor, initiates the suit, while in a civil case the victim brings the suit. Persons convicted of a crime may be incarcerated, fined, or both. Criminal defense attorneys represent clients who have been accused of committing a crime, and defend their rights at each stage of a misdemeanor or felony case -- from an arrest to an appeal after conviction. Criminal defense attorneys may be hired privately or provided by the government (called "public defenders").
Clare is a city in Clare and Isabella counties in the U.S. state of Michigan. Located primarily in Clare County, the city had a population of 3,173 at the 2000 census. North-south US 127 forms the eastern boundary for much of the city and has a junction with east-west US 10 on the east side of the city. US 10 connects with Midland, 33 miles to the southeast, and with US 131 at Reed City, 44 miles to the west. US 127 connects with Mount Pleasant, 13 miles to the south, and with Harrison, 14 miles to the north. M-115 has is southern terminus in downtown Clare.